Emergency Response Communications Net (ERC)

Net Control and Alternate Net Control Basics

A. BEING IN CHARGE

Net Control Operators are perceived as leaders. Assuming a leadership role means that you are also expected to assume responsibility. There is nothing grand or glamorous about being a Net Control Operator. It takes work to acquire the skills that make you appear professional. It's the kind of work that can wind up being a lot of challenging and rewarding fun, if ... you know what you are doing.

B. BASICS

1. CONTINGENCY PLANS

Be sure to have reliable redundancy of equipment and back up people available whenever possible. As Network Control Station (NCS) it is up to you to plan for your backup, have an Alternate Network Control Station (ANCS) and backup equipment.

2. ALTERNATE NCS

An Alternate NCS (ANCS) needs to be readily available should there be an equipment failure at the primary NCS or if the primary operator needs a break. Whenever possible, an offsite backup or alternate NCS should be maintained. Equipment can fail even during less demanding operations. In a typical rotation of NCS responsibilities, the ANCS is next in line as NCS for the check-in the following week.

Here are some basic dos and don'ts for those serving as NCS or ANCS.

·   Always follow a script if one is provided. Write your own if necessary.

·   Start the note precisely on time.

·   Treat members with respect and accept suggestions from other experienced members.

·   If you are taking over an existing net, try to run it much as the previous NCS did.

·   Handle messages in order of precedence: Emergency traffic has priority.

·   Speak clearly and in a normal tone of voice. Use good mic technique.

·   Make all instructions clear and concise using as few words as possible.

·   Add an entry to the log as each station checks-in.